WTC Member News

The Wheel and Tire Council (WTC) recently caught up with a couple of new members to learn more about their companies and their experiences in the industry. Meet Ann Fladger of Allure Custom Automotive and Steve Hamilton of AnthemWheels.com.

Getting to Know WTC Members and the WTC Measurem

Amid the hustle and bustle of the 2014 SEMA Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center, members of the Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) took the time one evening to network, reunite with old friends, enjoy food and beverages, and honor two members by welcoming them into the WTC Hall of Fame.

WTC Inducts Two Into Hall of Fame at 2014 SEMA Show

As SEMA Show attendees walk through South Hall during Show week, the creativity of the Wheel & Tire Council’s (WTC) members will be evident. In 2014, WTC will host a few main attractions for members of the segment, including a general membership meeting, a seminar and the industry awards reception. These events will ensure that members stay up to date with important developments in the council and in the industry as a whole.

WTC SEMA Show Happenings and a New Tool for Members

On July 1, two freshman members were elected to the Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) select committee. SEMA Member News interviewed Gavin Horlick of Voxx Wheel and Cheralyn Hale of Achilles Tire to learn more about their industry backgrounds and goals for their terms. SEMA Member News: What is your history in the industry and in the council?

Meet the New WTC Select Committee Members

Vehicle Dynamics for the Wheel and Tire IndustryThe partnership between SEMA and the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) is producing a great new resource for the wheel and tire industry. The Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) and CU-ICAR have been collaborating since 2013 on a vehicle dynamics research project studying the effects of plus-sized wheels and tires on the ’13 Ford F-150. Using advanced simulation models, researchers have been able to quantify the effects of various wheel/tire combinations on key areas of consumer priorities: routine and emergency handling, steering feel, ride comfort and various subsets of those categories.

Vehicle Dynamics for the Wheel and Tire Industry

The term “engaging the customer” has been diluted with attention, but it’s more than a buzzword or concept; it’s the most important activity in a business. The definition of engage is “to bind by a promise.” Real engagement is about commitments and obligations. Interesting that Webster’s Dictionary defines engagement as “an arrangement to go somewhere”—to go somewhere like a business, a service outlet or a place to buy products.

SEMA Member News—January/February 2014

Recognition and an Eminent Partnership

It’s that time again! The 2013 SEMA Show is nearly upon us, and you can almost hear the hustle and bustle of the South Hall beginning to rev up as exhibitors, buyers and media prepare for what is anticipated to be a fantastic Show. A few of the must-attend events for the wheel and tire segment of the specialty-equipment industry are hosted by the Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) and include a general membership meeting and a networking and awards reception. Do not miss these opportunities to get involved, influence change and better position your business.

SEMA Member News—November/December 2013

The WTC’s Guide to the 2013 SEMA Show

It’s that time again! The 2013 SEMA Show is nearly upon us, and you can almost hear the hustle and bustle of the South Hall beginning to rev up as exhibitors, buyers and media prepare for what is anticipated to be a fantastic Show. A few of the must-attend events for the wheel and tire segment of the specialty-equipment industry are hosted by the Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) and include a general membership meeting and a networking and awards reception.

Three years ago, SEMA teamed with Clemson University’s International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) to offer SEMA members access to product-development analysis, testing, simulation resources and engineering talent. John Waraniak, SEMA’s vice president of vehicle technology, sees this as an unprecedented opportunity for members. “Technology is integral to both the relevance and the future of SEMA and the performance aftermarket,” he said. “To ignore its impact is a fundamental mistake. The association’s vehicle technology programs and initiatives are investments in SEMA’s collective future.”

SEMA Member News—September/October 2013

Looking Ahead: WTC to Partner With Clemson University

Three years ago, SEMA teamed with Clemson University’s International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) to offer SEMA members access to product-development analysis, testing, simulation resources and engineering talent. John Waraniak, SEMA’s vice president of vehicle technology, sees this as an unprecedented opportunity for members.

William Blake is quoted as saying, “Execution is the chariot of genius.” Today we often quote Nike’s slogan: “Just Do It.” One of my favorite quotes goes like this, “When all was said and done, more was said than done.” These three quotes/slogans share a common thread—the idea that thoughts should lead to actions. Of course, activity is often confused with productivity. Productivity is measured; it’s usually planned in advance with intervals that measure progress. Because my primary business is marketing and my primary involvement with SEMA is the Wheel & Tire Council (WTC), this article will discuss a few simple techniques about marketing wheels and performance tires. I’ve recently witnessed two retailers re-focus and re-target their businesses. One is a significant countrywide retailer whose primary business focus is performance tires and wheels; the other is a tire retailer that rarely sells wheels. Here’s what they did.

Execution Is the Chariot of Genius

By Wayne Williams

William Blake is quoted as saying, “Execution is the chariot of genius.” Today we often quote Nike’s slogan: “Just Do It.” One of my favorite quotes goes like this, “When all was said and done, more was said than done.” These three quotes/slogans share a common thread—the idea that thoughts should lead to actions. Of course, activity is often confused with productivity.